Posted: July 26, 2016
Reading is important for children and adults. They educate us and can take us to a different world. Sometimes that different world is just someone’s life whose may or may not be similar to yours. Learning more about Cerebral Palsy and understanding what it’s like to have is important. To continue on from our other book post, we listed 10 more books that may work for you, your children, and others touched by CP. Some of these books are digital only while others are available in hard copy.
A quick note: all of these links are routed through Amazon’s Smile program, meaning each purchase will also help the MyChild Cerebral Palsy Foundation, so if any interest you, be sure to use the links below!
Cerebral Palsy Books for Children:
1. “Come Play With Us: The Adventure of Brothers C & P” by Sherri Stokes and Manuela Soriani
The main characters are two twin boys that have Cerebral Palsy. This book wants to show children that they are all similar in some ways. Children can read this book on their own or have an adult read to them. It may be the perfect Kindle book to start a conversation on inclusion.
2. “The Princess Panda Tea Party: A Cerebral Palsy Fairy Tale” by Jewel Kats and Richa Kinra
This book will encourage children to chase their dreams. The 8-year-old main character – Michelle – has Cerebral Palsy, but that does not effect her courage to chase her dreams. She is even belittled by other children in her orphanage because she uses a walker. For any child with CP, they will see that they should not let others affect their dreams.
3. “Haylee’s Friends” by Emma Birch and Michelle Rundle
“Haylee’s Friends” is written by a mom with a daughter with CP and her occupational therapist. They want to educate children on equipment that can help improve daily activities. This book can be used to teach siblings, peers, and friends about tools that can help children with Cerebral Palsy.
4. “Elijah’s Story: Learning Strength and Compassion through Cerebral Palsy” by Dennis Vanasse M.Ed
This book wants to educate and spread awareness about Cerebral Palsy. It is about a four-year-old boy who has CP. It talks about his hobbies and activities he likes to participate in. It also shows that he wants to fit in and feel like he belongs with other children his age. This book can help teach others that children with CP aren’t all that different; they may have the same hobby as you.
Cerebral Palsy Books for Parents and Advocates:
Abbey Curran has Cerebral Palsy, but that did not stop her from winning the title of Miss Iowa and competing in Miss USA. Her book is great for adults and even teenagers. This book illustrates her desire and courage to not let CP define her. It can inspire others and show that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.
6. “Understanding Cerebral Palsy: A Guide for Parents and Professionals” by Marion Stanton
A great book for anyone recently touched by CP. It explains causes, types, and symptoms. It even talks about treatments and therapy. For someone who is new to Cerebral Palsy or would like to do some readings about it, this can be a good step to take.
7. “If Only You Knew: Growing up in the “real” world with Cerebral Palsy” by Jacy Arthur
Jacy Arthur has Cerebral Palsy and wants others to know what it’s like to have. She wants everyone to realize that someone with special needs still have real emotions and ambitions. Also, she illustrates that people with special needs can still do what they want to do, just in their own way. This is a perfect book to encourage and inspire others.
8. “We are Unique: My Family’s Journey with Cerebral Palsy” by Diamond Doran
The individual diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy is not the only one affect by it; families are too. The family may not understand from the individual’s perspective, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t affect them. This book may be great for parents, siblings or grandparents to read about another family’s journey with CP. You may end up having similarities or learning more about family life.
9. The “7 Transformation Stories” Series
All parents want their children to have great confidence and there are steps you can do to help build it. Jim Hasse goes over various topics, including career builders, that you can use to help your child’s confidence. Hasse has Cerebral Palsy himself and he uses his experiences to illustrates his points. Parents or other adults touched by CP can read this book and it may just help you guide that child.
Mary Borley Morrill has 4 boys and 1 girl who has Cerebral Palsy. She shares experiences that are funny, sad, and heart warming. This may be a great book for parents who need to see how other families take the CP journey.
Books can provide chances to learn and to share experiences. It may also inspire and encourage others to be the best they can be. This is not only important for children, but adults too. Reading can help adults learn more about Cerebral Palsy and give them hope for their families. For children, reading can help create awareness about CP and show children that their dreams are still possible. We hope that these books spark interest and inspire you. If you know of any other books or have read one of these, please submit your advice and thoughts through a comment.
If you have any questions about Cerebral Palsy or books that can inspire or educate, feel free to call us at (800) 692-4453 or fill out our contact form on Facebook or our website.